The Duchess of Cornwall enjoyed one of the highlights of her year on Wednesday night when she hosted her annual festive party for sick children at Clarence House. Each Christmas Camilla invites disabled youngsters to spend a fun evening with her at the royal address.This year kids from the Helen and Douglas House Hospice and the London Taxidriver’s fund for underprivileged children helped the Duchess decorate the Christmas tree.
Wearing a matching purple and green tartan jacket and skirt the Duchess, who is to become a grandmother once again, spent a festive evening with the children who have life-shortening illnesses.The eight youngsters, who receive help from the Oxford-based hospice, placed baubles on the tree before enjoying a lunch of sausages and mash with Camilla. Her Royal Highness is Patron of the hospice, which provides respite and care for youngsters with life-shortening conditions and gives their families practical and emotional support.Since becoming the charity’s patron in 2007, children from the organisation have been invited to decorate her Christmas tree at Clarence House every year.
Captain Charles Fraser-Sampson, Assistant Equerry to The Prince of Wales, joined in the fun and delighted the children. Dressed in his Welsh Guards ceremonial uniform, complete with bearskin and scarlet tunic, the Captian was more than happy give the young guests a chance to try on the iconic clothes.And an evening with their royal host meant the children were treated to some special transport. The children arrived at the central London residence in a fleet of black cabs. One was even covered in fur and sported a flashing red nose just like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. The Duchess posed for pictures with the unusual looking vehicles before the little ones left.